Published: 16.06.2018
After a short night and a healthy breakfast, we started our first exploration tour around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. We expected some highlights along the rugged lava fields and the wind-whipped coast. We almost missed the first photo stop. The enchanting river surrounded by a purple flower meadow was hidden under a bridge.
Next, we discovered a beautiful waterfall surrounded by some pine trees (trees were a rarity so far). We could explore the natural spectacle relatively sheltered from the wind and started our first photo shoot. Heidi Klum would be proud of us - that's why we have a photo for you today :)
The lava fields were followed by the first snow at Rauðfeldsgjá. From the parking lot, we went a short distance up the mountain where a rock fissure opens up in the mountains. On a snow-covered ice plate, you could look chimney-like into the sky.
At Vatnshellir, we were shocked to realize how much time had already passed. The path to the breathtaking lava tube was further than expected, so Silke took off running (in her own words: she sacrificed herself for the group) while Tamara and Yvonne chose the coastal route.
With great photos in our luggage, we continued our journey. The next destination was the picturesque coastal town of Stykkishólmur. Here, we treated ourselves to tea/hot chocolate/coffee and cake in a sweet café and enjoyed the view over the town.
On the last stretch, we made a stop at the Helgafell Wish Mountain. When ascending, we followed the following rules:
1. Step: Start from the grave of Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, the heroine of an old regional saga.
2. Step: Ascend to Tótt (the chapel ruins) without speaking a word or turning around.
3. Step: Turn east at the ruins. Formulate 3 wishes. Don't tell anyone, otherwise they won't come true.
The command of silence almost broke our necks.
As we descended again, the ticket booth was just closing. All other guests could climb the mountain for free. Will their wishes still come true? As known, nothing in life is free..
Satisfied, windswept, and slightly tired, we returned to Borganes. After a delicious dinner and a few gin and tonics (or a strong blueberry spritzer for Tamara), we fell into bed.